Preparing a home for resale involves more than simply putting it on the market. From making necessary repairs to updating outdated features, homeowners have several factors to consider when deciding how to prepare their property for potential buyers.
Knowing which projects to prioritize can help homeowners make the most of their time and budget while creating a welcoming space that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Whether it is restoring existing surfaces, completing a remodel, addressing electrical concerns or refreshing flooring, each improvement can contribute to the overall condition and presentation of a home. Even smaller details, such as cleaning and removing construction debris, can make a difference when preparing for showings.
Local businesses share their insights on the remodeling process, including which updates homeowners may want to consider before selling and how to approach projects with resale in mind.
One place to begin is with the surfaces buyers see and use every day.
While proper maintenance is important, restoring your stone, tile or grout surfaces will help potential buyer interest for a couple of reasons according to Lifetime Stone Restoration (lifetimestone.com).
First it shows buyers that you maintain your home and take care of some of the more expensive items. It also helps show that these areas are not ones they need to worry about fixing or replacing once they move in.
“If a potential buyer sees a dirty shower, cracked stone tiles on your floor or chipped granite counters, they know they will have added expenses if they buy the home,” said Don Mlnarik, owner and operator of Lifetime Stone Restoration.
When selling your home restoration is better than replacement of surfaces. Restoration is cheaper than replacement. Refreshing a surface—whether a counter, shower or floor—will make the area look clean and possibly even new.
“You could replace something for a lot more money and potential buyers might not like what you picked out and will want to tear it out and replace it themselves with either a product or color they like better,” said Mlnarik.
Some of the main issues Mlnarik sees before homeowners list their house for sale are removing hard water deposits and re-polishing around their kitchen counter sink.
“I also get called to clean tiled showers by removing mildew, soap and re-caulking around the base and corners,” said Mlnarik. “If they have stone floors they usually want these cleaned and possibly polished back up.”
There are many things to keep in mind when reselling. Don’t let your stone be one of your worries.
Please reach out to Lifetime Stone Restoration with any questions you may have, call at (402) 916-1700 or visit them at lifetimestone.com.
Beyond restoring existing surfaces, homeowners may also consider which remodeling projects could make a difference when preparing to sell. Knowing where to focus time and money can help homeowners prioritize updates that fit their goals and budget.
Willet Construction (willetconstruction.com) offers a wide range of services if you are planning to remodel. Whether it is your garage, kitchen, bathroom, basement, master suite and more. Maybe you are looking to add an addition to your home; Willet has got you covered.
But, finding projects to prioritize if you are planning on selling can be difficult. Justine Johnson of Willet Construction shares more about what you should have at the top of your to-do list when you are remodeling your home.
“According to the Cost vs Value report put out by Zonda Media each year, some of the projects that are most cost effective for resale include entry door replacement, garage door replacement, fiber-cement siding and stone veneer,” said Johnson. “In 2025 a minor kitchen remodel also fell into the group where costs were recouped at 100% or better.”
Willet Construction believes that small upgrades can be made to fixtures and hardware that don’t require a ton of time or money. This is convenient if you have a budget or are looking to sell in a certain time period.
“Plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and door hardware can all be upgraded with little effort,” said Johnson. “Classic chrome and brushed nickel remain popular, with brushed brass and satin gold adding warmth.”
Paint and flooring require a little more time and effort, but always make your home feel fresh and new. If you have carpet in a bathroom or kitchen, definitely have it removed prior to listing your home. Major remodels, say for an upscale bathroom; don’t have as much of a payback because choices made for those often have more personal tastes in mind.
“If you’re planning on selling your home in the next 5 years or less, a major renovation would not be recommended,” said Johnson. “Projects that give a return in the 60% -100% range include a grand entrance, a backup power generator, HVAC conversion/electrification, a deck addition, basement remodel and window replacements.”
Willet Construction is a design-build company with designers on staff and the crew to get the job done. Customers just need to make one phone call and they do the rest.
They also have a design studio where they can see and feel products, consult with their designer and review plans and renderings.
This is where their project starts to come to life. Before construction begins, a calendar is created so homeowners know who will be in their home and when. And then there’s our team.
They want every project to be the best experience for the customer. They do their best to ensure every customer is happy and satisfied with their project.
They are a member of GuildQuality, a third-party survey company. This ensures each review is from an actual customer with honest feedback. They want to hear the good and what they can do to improve.
Their mission is to deliver top-quality service and craftsmanship for an exceptional experience that results in lifelong customers. They seek to provide an environment centered on their core values and an excitement for remodeling.
While visible updates can help a home make a strong first impression, some important improvements are hidden behind the walls. Electrical systems are another consideration for homeowners, particularly when preparing an older property for sale.
Your home may be looking up to date and ready to sell, but making sure that your electric systems are also renewed is important. Home-buyers often are less concerned with internal wiring and tend to focus more on the visuals and cosmetics: if they can’t see it, it must not be a problem.
However, internal upgrades are just as important as the cosmetic ones. Especially in older homes that usually have a “handy man” are more subject to many improper repairs and wiring extensions.
ABC Electric (abcelectric.net) believes that fuse panels and obsolete breaker panels are definitely worth you considering either replacing or upgrading before putting a house on the market.
“This equipment was generally not rated to last more than 35 years and could be living on borrowed time,” said Ron Pickel, Project Manager and Estimator of ABC Electric. “Eliminating knob and tube wiring assemblies, ungrounded circuits and aluminum branch circuit wiring should also be considered.”
While upgrading electric systems within your home can be expensive because it can relate the need for other repairs like wall and ceiling refinishing and repairs, it will make for a strong selling point.
“However, sellers generally don’t want to pay for the repairs as they may not see a large enough return on their investment to make up for the cost of the work, leaving buyers to absorb the brunt of the expense,” said Pickel.
ABC Electric tends to act as a mediator between the buyer and seller of the home by presenting a cost of repairs to an agent which is then used as bargaining to lower the price of the house which then allows the other party to find a cheaper alternative.
Once homeowners have considered the condition of their home’s systems, attention can turn back to the finishes that shape the look and feel of each room.
Flooring is one of those details that can influence both the appearance and functionality of a space.
Flooring plays a big role in a remodeling project, it can influence everything from a room’s overall appearance to its everyday functionality.
Whether homeowners are refreshing one space or updating their entire home, selecting the right material can help create a cohesive and comfortable environment.
Underfoot Flooring (underfootlincoln.com) is a family-owned and operated flooring company run by Ela and Cory Schlisner and their trusted team.
With so many flooring options available, homeowners are looking for materials that balance appearance with durability and ease of care.
“Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) remains one of the most popular flooring choices thanks to its durability, water resistance, and realistic wood appearance,” Amanda Swenson of Underfoot Flooring said.
Hardwood, engineered hardwood, carpet and large-format tile continue to be popular choices as well due to their durability. Warm, natural colors are especially appealing to homeowners looking to create a welcoming atmosphere throughout their homes.
“New flooring can completely refresh a space by making it feel brighter, more modern and more inviting,” Swenson said. “As the foundation of a room’s design, updated flooring can enhance comfort, improve functionality and increase overall home value.”
Before choosing flooring, homeowners should evaluate their budget, household needs and the purpose of each room. Durable materials may be especially useful for households with children or pets, while moisture-prone spaces call for flooring that can handle humidity and spills.
Taking these considerations into account allows homeowners to find flooring that complements their design while providing lasting performance and functionality.
After remodeling projects are complete, there is one final step to help a home feel ready for potential buyers: cleaning.
Construction dust and debris can linger long after the work is finished, making a thorough cleanup an important part of preparing a home for showings.
Making sure you have gotten all of the proper remodeling completed on your home before selling is important. But remodeling comes with a lot of cleaning due to dust, paint and other debris.
New Start Cleaning (newstartcleaningllc.com) wants to ensure your home is ready for the market or just more comfortable after remodeling because a professional cleaning of your home can make a big difference.
“A clean, fresh home helps potential buyers focus on the space itself instead of noticing dust, dirt or buildup,” said Yadirha Mendez of New Start Cleaning. “We want the home to feel welcoming, fresh and well cared for when someone walks through the door.”
According to New Start Cleaning, some commonly overlooked areas when cleaning and preparing a home for showings are baseboards, doors and door frames, ceiling fans, walls, vents, the inside of windows and cabinets.
“We also dust throughout the home, including storage rooms and other areas that may not get cleaned as often,” said Mendez. “These smaller details can make a big difference in how clean and well maintained a home looks.”
New Start Cleaning recommends specific cleaning projects that can make a home feel newer or more move-in ready.
“Kitchens and bathrooms can make a big difference when they are thoroughly cleaned, especially the floors, cabinets, appliances and fixtures, “ said Mendez. “We also clean inside windows, vents, doors, baseboards, ceiling fans and the microwave, as well as dust throughout the home and storage areas.”
At your request New Start Cleaning will also change bed sheets. Their goal is for people to come home to a home that feels fresh, smells fresh, looks clean, put together and feels ready to enjoy.
Preparing a home for resale involves many details, from addressing necessary repairs to making thoughtful updates that help the property feel fresh and welcoming and more attractive to buyers.
As local businesses have shared, restoring stone and tile surfaces, prioritizing remodeling projects like kitchens or bathrooms, evaluating electrical systems and selecting appropriate flooring can all be part of getting a home ready for the market.
From the bones to the beauty of your home, there are always improvements that can be made. The right remodeling company can help you identify these potential fixes that will increase your home’s value and the pull it has with buyers.
Kitchens and bathrooms are by far one of the most looked at and, let’s be honest, criticized parts of homes. It needs to fit the families or individual lifestyle of the buyer. Do they need extra counter space, fridge space or a full pantry to store food and drinks?
Since kitchens are one of the most looked at things of a house, their renovations often tend to cost the most. They’re a major selling point and can help your home stand out. The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a home, so as buyers start to compare multiple properties, a functional and an attractive kitchen can make your home more memorable.
However, you can’t possibly determine what is a perfect space for the perfect buyer so landing somewhere in the middle, making common sense upgrades and renovations is the best way to go about and having the right remodeling partners makes sure you’re making the right upgrades for the right price. It’s important to remodel for the potential buyer and not for yourself.
Yet, small improvements can make a noticeable difference. While in some cases a total renovation might be necessary, it’s not in all cases. Things like new fixtures, lighting, mirrors, counter tops, flooring, paint or hardware can refresh a room and give it an entirely new look.
Those are the big renovations people think about, but the little details people overlook about are just as important to update.
Outdated electrical systems are often forgotten about by both sellers and buyers. Replacing old outlets and switches, updating outdated electrical panels and correcting wiring that’s not up to code are really important to fix because those are the things that inspections will catch.
Updates to things like windows and doors can also be easily forgotten about. It’s imperative to fix things like drafty windows, damaged screens, doors that don’t close properly and worn weather stripping. This isn’t just for looks, but because these issues could later become a problem during inspections.
Exterior maintenance like fixing cracked concrete, cleaning gutters, power washing, repairing siding, replacing damaged trim, touching up exterior paint and fixing fences are more little details that improvements can make a home feel better maintained before a buyer even walks through the door. These updates are the ultimate first impression.
Completing a thorough cleaning after construction or renovation is another important step in presenting the finished space. No potential buyer wants to see their future home already dirty; it doesn’t set a good image of their life in the home. Comprehensive cleanings should be done prior to renovations to start with a good slate, during renovations to make sure work stays on time, team members are working in good conditions and you can stay comfortable in your home when preparing to sell.
Post renovation cleaning is probably the most important in regards to potential buyers. What good is redoing the whole kitchen, and then leaving dust, dirt, tools and debris in it? Especially when you are redoing a house to sell?
Every home has different needs, and the right improvements will depend on its current condition, the homeowner’s budget and the timeline for selling. Don’t just look at the cosmetics; look at the functionality of systems: water, electrical, heating and cooling. These are pricey fixes for potential homeowners which could quickly turn a “yes” into a “no”.
Taking the time to evaluate which projects are necessary and which updates may offer practical benefits can help homeowners make informed decisions throughout the process.
By paying attention to both the visible details and the underlying condition of their property, homeowners can work toward creating a space that is well-maintained, comfortable and ready to welcome its next occupants.